College football fans have plenty to be angry about these days, from playoff expansion chatter to weekly injunctions from local judges, and even conferences suing league members. Brett McMurphy has a suggestion: forget all of that and direct the outrage at his Preseason AP Top 25 ballot instead. He's fully aware it's going to ruffle some feathers.
5. Texas Tech
The Red Raiders enter the season as college football's most-hated team, with a chaotic offseason quarterback saga and an aggressive NIL strategy fueling the target on their back. McMurphy still views Tech as the Big 12's deepest, most talented roster, insisting the depth carries the team no matter who's behind center.
4. Notre Dame
McMurphy sees the same two landmine games that have defined Notre Dame's playoff hopes the past two years standing between the Irish and another deep run. Quarterback CJ Carr headlines a talented roster and enters the year as a Heisman contender, but Marcus Freeman's group has to avoid the type of stumble that's bitten them before.
3. Georgia
Kirby Smart's defense remains the backbone of McMurphy's case for the Bulldogs, but the bigger question is whether Georgia can finally win a playoff game instead of just reaching the field. A retooled backfield and a more seasoned Gunner Stockton give McMurphy reason for optimism heading into the season.
McMurphy's full ballot, including who claimed the polarizing No. 1 spot, is below, and it's worth seeing before the real AP Top 25 hits next week.
